Premier Li’s busy schedule in Europe

Wang Qingyun

Updated:
Oct 22,2014 2:02 PM
english.gov.cn

Premier Li Keqiang’s busy but carefully planned tour of Germany, Russia and Italy from Oct 9 to 18 brought people from different cultures and countries closer together, and helped China’s practical diplomacy to gain more achievements.

Li visited five cities in the three countries, attending a total of about 70 events and meeting more than 20 politicians.

During his three-day visit to Germany, he attended about 20 events, including an in-depth discussion with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and a meeting with Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz, followed by a ceremony involving Scholz and Li exchanging gifts.

Due to his tight schedule, the Premier did not have time to finish dessert during a luncheon at the Hamburg Summit.

In Moscow, Li met Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev four times in the space of 24 hours, including during a private dinner.

During an interview with Russian TV anchor Sergey Brilev, Li conveyed his best wishes to Brilev’s father, who had just turned 70.

In Rome, the next stop on his tour, Li met Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, gave a speech at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and attended a multilateral meeting of leaders of more than 50 countries.

Li then headed to Milan, where he attended the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting. He gave a speech and met the presidents of South Korea, Latvia and France, as well as the prime ministers of Finland, Singapore, Greece, Vietnam and Thailand.